Extreme heatwaves are causing the death of resilient camels in deserts as temperatures soar. Scientists are concerned as temperatures surpass 50 degrees in Africa and the Middle East, leading to dehydration, fatigue, and disease among the usually hardy animals.
In northern Africa and the Horn of Africa, farmers depend on camels for transporting goods across the arid landscape, switching from cattle due to camels’ ability to endure heat and survive droughts.
Camel herder Ali Umer in north-eastern Ethiopia witnessed his 500 camels suffering from blisters, watery eyes, and skin burns due to the scorching conditions. He reported losing eight camel calves in a month due to the intense heat.
Experts noted that camels can thrive in up to 40C but face heat stress beyond this range. With rising temperatures in the Sahara exceeding 50C, camels are at risk of severe heat stress, especially with limited vegetation, water, and shade.
To cope with the challenging conditions, many camel herders in Ethiopia are relocating their herds to southern regions with better water and vegetation availability. This shift may become permanent due to ongoing drought and extreme heat challenges.
